The Writing Center Mission

The James A. Glenn Writing Center provides students with assistance at all stages of the writing process, for as all writers know, not all writing is accomplished in isolation. Writing sometimes happens best when two writers sit down and put their heads together on a project--one explaining what she/he is attempting to achieve and the other providing feedback and guidance. The tutors in the center are available to discuss understanding an assignment, generating ideas, drafting, organizing, revising, editing, addressing sentence structure, grammar, punctuation concerns, and documenting sources. Writers can also receive assistance in refining cover letters and résumés.

The mission of the Writing Center is to support student writers in their efforts to become better writers rather than to produce perfect papers. The Writing Center does not provide editing or proofreading services; tutors will, however, assist writers in learning how to proofread for their particular pattern of errors and to edit their own work. If a teacher believes a student would benefit from independent one-on-one work at the Writing Center, referral forms are available.

Writing Center tutors have taken English 315, Composition Tutoring, in which they have studied composition theory and methods of one-to-one conferencing. Having apprenticed as tutors for an English 101 class, they begin their Writing Center work with a great deal of experience. Only those students who have proven to be excellent tutors are invited to tutor in the Writing Center.

The Writing Center also provides a quiet atmosphere for writing. It is equipped with PC's, printers, and word-processing software. The Writing Center's library provides resources such as research guides, style manuals and handbooks, and documentation guides.

Writing Center services are free to all Xavier students. We recommend that appointments for tutorial assistance be made in advance, although walk-in appointments are possible if a tutor is available. Computer use does not require an appointment.
Where: Alter Hall, B-12
Contact #: 745-2875

When: Monday-Thursday: 9:30 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Friday: 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Sunday: 1:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.